Skateboard Bearing Lubricant Alternatives

Skateboard bearing lubricant alternatives are a hot topic among skaters who want to keep their boards rolling smoothly—even if they don’t have official skate lube on hand. Whether you’re looking for a quick DIY fix, an eco-friendly solution, or just curious about household options, this guide breaks down the best and worst choices, answers common questions, and helps you protect your bearings for the long haul.

What Are Skateboard Bearing Lubricant Alternatives?

Skateboard bearing lubricant alternatives are any non-standard oils, greases, or sprays used instead of skate-specific bearing lubricants. Skaters often try household products—like olive oil, WD-40, or silicone spray—when they run out of speed cream or can’t get to a shop.

But not all alternatives are created equal. Some can get you rolling in a pinch, while others might ruin your bearings or slow you down.

Why Should You Lubricate Skateboard Bearings?

Skateboard bearings are small metal parts inside your wheels that allow them to spin. Every time you skate, friction and dirt start to wear them down. Lubrication:

• Reduces friction and heat
• Protects against moisture, rust, and debris
• Extends bearing lifespan
• Keeps your ride smooth and fast

How Do Skateboard Bearing Lubricant Alternatives Compare to Official Lubricants?

Skate-specific lubricants (like Bones Speed Cream or Tri-Flow) are engineered for speed, minimal friction, and maximum protection. Most alternatives lack the same staying power or protection against rust, dirt, and heat, but can be used in a pinch.

Pros and Cons Table

Lubricant Type	Pros	Cons
Skate-specific Lubricant	Long-lasting, designed for bearings	More expensive, sometimes harder to find
Olive/Cooking Oil	Readily available, easy to apply	Attracts dirt, breaks down quickly
Sewing Machine Oil	Cheap, light, spins well	Doesn’t last as long, attracts dust
White Lithium Grease	Good in wet/dusty conditions	Slows bearings, can be messy
WD-40	Cleans and loosens, easy to find	Not a real lubricant; short-lived
Silicone Spray	Repels water, easy application	Not as slick, wears off quickly

Can You Use Household Products as Skateboard Bearing Lubricant Alternatives?

Olive Oil and Cooking Oil

• Works temporarily, but not recommended for long-term use.
• These oils attract dirt and dust quickly, causing bearings to gum up.
• Can go rancid and sticky, especially in humid or hot weather.

WD-40

• Acts as a cleaner and rust preventative more than a real lubricant.
• Provides a very short-term fix, but strips away existing oils and can attract grime.
• Use only if you plan to clean and properly lubricate your bearings soon after.

Sewing Machine Oil

• Better than nothing and often used by skaters for a quick fix.
• Thinner than skate oils, so it needs reapplying more often.

White Lithium Grease

• Thicker, stays put longer, good for wet, dirty, or sandy conditions.
• May slow your bearings a bit, but offers more protection for commuters or off-road riders.

Silicone Spray

• Repels water, applies easily, and is better than nothing in wet environments.
• Not as slick or long-lasting as skate oil or grease.

How to Clean and Apply Skateboard Bearing Lubricant Alternatives

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Remove Bearings from Wheels:
   Use a skate tool or wrench. Pop bearings out gently.
2. Clean Bearings Thoroughly:
   • Remove shields (use a small pin or blade).
   • Soak bearings in isopropyl alcohol or a degreaser. Agitate and scrub with a brush.
   • Dry completely with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.
3. Apply Your Lubricant Alternative:
   • Add 1–2 drops of oil (or a small amount of grease/spray) to each bearing.
   • Spin the bearing to distribute.
   • Wipe off any excess.
4. Reassemble:
   • Snap shields back on.
   • Insert bearings into wheels and tighten hardware.

Tip: Always clean bearings before switching lubricants, especially when moving from oil to grease or vice versa.

Are Skateboard Bearing Lubricant Alternatives Safe for Long-Term Use?

While some alternatives (like sewing machine oil or white lithium grease) are safe for occasional or short-term use, they aren’t as effective as skate-specific products in the long run. Vegetable oil, WD-40, and other household products can attract more dirt, require frequent reapplication, or even damage your bearings over time.

Expert Advice: If you skate regularly or push your bearings hard, invest in proper skate lubricant. Use alternatives only when you have no other choice—and be sure to clean and re-lube with the right product soon after.

Pros and Cons of the Most Popular Skateboard Bearing Lubricant Alternatives

Alternative	How Long It Lasts	Risk of Attracting Dirt	Suitability
Olive Oil	A few sessions	High	Emergency use
WD-40	1–2 sessions	High	Only as a cleaner
Silicone Spray	Few sessions	Low	Good in wet/dirty
Sewing Machine Oil	Few weeks	Medium	OK in a pinch
Lithium Grease	Several weeks	Low	Great for dirty/wet

When Should You Lubricate or Replace Your Skateboard Bearings?

• Lubricate bearings every 2–3 months (more often after skating in rain, dirt, or sand).
• Replace bearings if they feel gritty, sound noisy, or don’t spin smoothly even after cleaning and re-lubrication.
• Keep an eye on your wheels—slow, uneven spinning is a sign your bearings need attention.

Conclusion

Skateboard bearing lubricant alternatives can get you by in a pinch, but they’re rarely as effective or long-lasting as skate-specific lubes. If you care about speed, performance, and longevity, use official products when you can. When using alternatives, clean your bearings more often and plan to re-lubricate with skate oil or grease as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions about Skateboard Bearing Lubricant Alternatives

1. Can I use vegetable oil on skateboard bearings?

You can in an emergency, but it attracts dirt and breaks down quickly. Clean and re-lubricate with a proper product as soon as you can.

2. Is WD-40 safe for bearings?

WD-40 is best as a cleaner or for freeing up stuck bearings. It is not a long-term lubricant and can wash out needed grease or oil.

3. How often should I lubricate my skateboard bearings?

Every 2–3 months, or more often if you skate in wet, dusty, or dirty conditions.

4. What’s the best alternative lubricant for bearings?

Sewing machine oil or white lithium grease are your safest alternatives for short-term use.

5. Will alternative lubricants void my warranty or damage my bearings?

Using alternatives may void warranties from some brands and, if used long-term, may cause your bearings to wear out faster.